Preparing Your Home for Fall: Protect Your Basement from Water Damage

The leaves are changing color, and the temperatures are starting to dip. It’s fall! For many homeowners, this is a season full of beauty.

Unfortunately, fall can also bring hidden risks for your home. Cooler weather, rainy days, and even falling leaves can create conditions that put your basement and plumbing system at risk. While many homeowners focus on landscaping or seasonal décor, fall is the perfect time to make sure your plumbing system, especially your sump pump, is ready for anything. Here are tips for preparing your home for fall!

Check Your Sump Pump

Your sump pump is your home’s first line of defense against basement flooding. It works quietly in the background, ready to pump water away from your foundation during heavy rains or when groundwater levels rise. 

This fall, make sure your sump pump is operating properly. If the pump runs constantly, it may have a float that’s sticking, or the discharge line could be backing up, preventing it from functioning efficiently.

Tip: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to make sure the pump activates and the float moves freely. This simple test can help you catch potential problems before they become emergencies. While you’re at it, take a moment to clear any debris from the pit and ensure the power source is functioning. 

Inspect and Clear Gutters and Storm Drains

Falling leaves are beautiful, but they can quickly clog gutters and downspouts. For homeowners, this can create backups that direct water straight toward your foundation. Clogged gutters and storm drains not only put your basement at risk of flooding but can also damage landscaping and your home’s exterior.

Tip: Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts regularly, and consider installing mesh screens or gutter guards to help prevent clogs throughout the season. Extending downspouts further from the foundation is another easy step to guide water safely away from your home.

Test Your Back-Up Pump

Do you have a battery-powered or water-powered backup sump pump? Fall is the perfect time to ensure it’s ready to protect your home. These pumps are crucial when your main sump pump fails during power outages, storms, or even due to mechanical malfunctions. And there are few things more frustrating than a backup pump that hasn’t been tested, only to fail when you really need it.

Tip: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to test your backup pump. Pour water into the sump pit and make sure the pump activates, check the battery if it’s battery-powered, and inspect the discharge line. Consider making this a quarterly task.

Bonus Fall Plumbing Prep Tips for Preparing Your Home for Fall

Wondering what else you can do to help protect your home during the change in seasons? Here are a few ideas for homeowners looking to stay ahead of colder weather this fall.

• Check outdoor faucets and hose bibs: Ensure they are drained if you live in areas where freezing is possible.

• Inspect the sump pump discharge line: Look for any blockages or potential freezing points.

• Watch for early signs of basement moisture: Damp walls, musty smells, or water stains can indicate small leaks that could become bigger problems.

• Schedule preventive maintenance: If you’re unsure about any checks or maintenance, a professional plumber can perform inspections and keep your system in top shape before fall storms hit.

Final Thoughts

Fall preparation doesn’t have to be complicated. That said, a few simple steps can save you from costly water damage. So, we always recommend following the steps above in order to prepare your home for the change of seasons.

As always, if you live in the Rochester, NY area and need help with checking your sump pump or other plumbing issues, we’re only a phone call away. Don’t wait until a minor inconvenience becomes a big problem. Call G.T. Campbell Plumbing for help, and look forward to the fall.